LHS softball sweeps doubleheader at Atchison

Nobody shot of fireworks after Lansing High's season-opening doubleheader sweep of Atchison on Tuesday, but the Lions let off some of their own during the games.

Junior catcher Nichole Twitchell blasted two home runs and freshman Morgan Chiles smashed a four-bagger of her own as LHS (2-0) disposed of Atchison 6-0 in game one and 4-3 in game two.

The Lions clicked on all cylinders in game one as the offense pounded out nine hits and capitalized on a handful of Atchison errors. All but one Lion recorded a hit in game one, but it was Twitchell's first blast of the season that set the tone. While the offense took care of business, so did the pitching. Specifically, senior Jessica Kane flirted with a perfect game as she walked none and allowed just one hit in her first outing of the year.

Game two was plenty harder, however. Atchison's bats came alive and the Lions were forced to toughen up. They had a few fielding errors that didn't cost them, but they also had some close calls. After Twitchell and Chiles' blasts gave Lansing the lead, junior pitcher Dana Sanders showed her grit near the end. First came a run-saving defensive play where she snagged a sharp ground ball to her right and caught Atchison's pitcher in a rundown between third and home. Then, in the final inning, Atchison had the tying run on third but Sanders forced two-out grounder to freshman Amanda Darrow at second base for the final out.

The Lions play their home-opener at 4:30 p.m. Thursday against Mill Valley.